| OBITUARY |
Just a line to inform you that another one of the old school has departed. I have just read in our local paper that former Drum Major R G Knox BEM passed away on Saturday 8th November. Having known him for the past 40 years, I would describe him as a strict disciplinarian, immaculate at all times, a man who respected his subordinates, always addressing them by their rank, and a person who would never let ANYONE take advantage of his band. At times he would exceed his rank to ensure that his band would receive the best of treatment on any engagement, anywhere in the world. All the
best, Tex. |
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| KNOX
Russell Geoffrey B.E.M. Ex-Drum-Major of Royal Marines Peacefully at Derriford
Hospital on November 8th, aged 79. Beloved husband of Eileen (deceased).
Funeral service on Tuesday November 18th, 2.30pm at Efford Crematorium,
followed by a reception at The Sergeant's Mess, Royal Marines Barracks,
Stonehouse. Flowers, please to Earl of Plymouth Chapels by 11am, or donations,
if so desired, for the Royal Marines Association, or for St. Luke's Hospice,
by retiring collection or c/o Earl of Plymouth, 23 Wolseley Rd, Plymouth,
PL2 3AA. Enquiries Tel: 605550. |
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All the best Terry Freestone Terry joined the School of Music in 1951 and was trained as a Bassoonist. Served in several bands from 1953 until his retirement in 1976 during which time he was employed as an instrumental instructor and as Sgt.Major of the training wing R.M.S.M. He then went into the instrument repair workshop in Deal until the departure of the school to Portsmouth. His interests covered a wide range of activities including railway history, photography, printing and collecting model vintage cars. He was also responsible for the re-awakening of the Deal Maritime Museum. Ron Hempsall |
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Bob was a "hostilities only" musician. In 1941 he saw that conscription was coming and volunteered for and was accepted into the Band Service and joined whilst the Royal Naval School of Music was based in Malvern. He was already an accomplished trombone and euphonium player having been in brass bands in the Nottingham area where he lived. Bob went on to serve in the bands of HMS 'Shropshire', 'Royal Sovereign' and 'Sussex' as well as several shore establishments. On the 'Shropshire' he went on Russian convoys. On the 'Sussex' he was in the Far East Fleet when a Kamikaze plane, which fortunately for all on board failed to explode, hit the ship. The 'Sussex' was the first warship into Singapore after the Japanese surrender. The ship had no official photographer and, because of his interest in photography, Bob was sent ashore with the first boat and took photographs of the prisoners released from Changi Prison. The rest of the band were sent ashore to assist those released. Bob was 'de-mobbed' in April 1946 and went back to live in the Nottingham area. He returned to employment in the retail trade and as a commercial traveller. Bob went on to play euphonium and trombone with the Nottinghamshire Police Band until he was in his 80's. He was also the band librarian for many years. After the Deal bombing and the formation of the 'All Stars Band' Bob regularly played at the Margate concerts until his health deteriorated. At one of the concerts he was introduced to the audience as the oldest playing member. He was very proud of his service with the Royal Marines Bands and made some very good friends with whom he kept in touch for many years. Bob leaves his wife Edith, a son and daughter and three grand daughters. His grand daughters are carrying on the musical tradition and two of them played flute and guitar and sang at his funeral. David Webster |
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On Friday 15-08-2003, I attended the Funeral of W01 Ron Mackay RMBX 3018. Who died in the early hours of Sunday 10th August 2003. It was an honour to support his wife Jeanie, and also to represent the Band Service. The chapel was filled to capacity and for the short service at the cemetery there were over 250 people present. As we approached the cemetery gates there was a Guard of Honour lining the approach road made up of the Security Company of which Ron was the consultant. He was Piped to the grave side with an excellent rendering of a suitable lament and the procedure was carried out in the traditional precision that Ron was so accustomed to. A bugler (Sadly not one of ours) sounded the Last Post, again an excellent rendering. Ron was interned, reveille was played and the Piper broke into Amazing Grace at the precise minute he finished, there was a Flight pass of 4 RAF Fighters, this appeared to be the cherry on the top of a very well organised and dignified event. However I think the Flight Pass must have been organised by Ron himself. It was nice to meet all of Ron and Jeanie’s family and all his friends especially his son Ian who did all the organising, He remembered me from the time I served with Ron at Shotley Point. Ron was a firm but fair man, and will be greatly missed by all who ever came in touch with him. SEEYERLATERON.! Stan Thomas |
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Hooky Walker. |
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Janette, Alan and Jeanine would like to thank everyone who gave Dad such a lovely send off at his funeral, also for the floral tributes and donations to the Royal British Legion. The church was full to capacity including family and friends including many ex Royal Marines, bandies and buglers. Two RM Buglers from CTCRM attended and paid tribute by playing last post and reveille. A special thanks to Gary Powell who made a wonderful tribute to Dad and brought a smile to people's faces at a very distressing time, by relating some of Dad's well known stories (most of them true!). Thanks to the people who travelled from afar. Dad will be greatly missed by many people and not least by his immediate family. Regards, Alan Coad.
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